Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The BFG and I made a quick trip across to Christchurch, New Zealand (literally left Friday evening and returned first thing Monday morning) for a weekend away. I can't exactly say it was an impromptu, live by the seat of our pants, do something spontaneous because we're young and can go overseas at the drop of a hat - type of trip. I booked the tickets ages ago.

We basically spent the Saturday sightseeing around Christchurch. Went up the Cathedral (reminded me of that time I climbed the Arc de Triomphe but back then I was ten times more unfit than I am now). We also did the very touristy thing and took a ride on a gondola down the Avon River.

(Clockwise)1. Christchurch Cathedral 2. New Regent St 3. The BFG (an uncooperative photo subject) 4. Tram 5. Punting on the Avon river 6. No entry sign (Of course I drove down that exact street.)7. SOL Square (South of Litchfield) - funky bar district 8. Christchurch art gallery 9. Theatre next to the Arts Centre 10. Arts Centre 11. Avon River 12. BFG having a beer (very rare sight -he normally never drinks alcohol or coffee - or anything that I regularly indulge in.) 13. Me in front of the Cathedral. That scary hairy thing I'm waving around? It came off my jacket. So glad when the BFG pointed out that the stupid thing can be removed.

On Sunday, we decided to hire a car and drive out to Lyttleton and Akaroa which is just over the hills from Christchurch.

1. The speedy red Mazda 3 we hired to get to Akaroa2. French street signs in Akaroa3. Fish and chips4. New Zealand green lip mussels5. Me at Akaroa6. New Zealand sheep - and no I was not about to hijack one for its wool!

It was a wonderful trip despite it being so brief. This is a great first step for us as it means we should be able to travel together when we go to Europe next year (fingers crossed nothing is going to jinx it). See the thing about me when it comes to travel is, that I can be quite a control freak. I'm pretty easy going once I arrive but its all the preparation for a trip beforehand that I need to have a say in. I agonise over things like which hotel to stay at (I changed my mind at least 4 times just for this trip), which travel insurance we should take out etc. I asked the BFG to book the hotel BUT I just couldn't NOT have a say in it. It's terrible and a character flaw, I know but I just can't help it. Oh well... Greece here we come!!